This year's theme is “Inspiring the World…Continuing our Legacy.” The Employee Council sponsors an annual contest among employees to select the theme.

This year’s winner is Kiyana Perrino, a research administration coordinator in the Rollins School of Public Health. For coming up with the winning theme, Perrino receives a free Staff Fest t-shirt and a $25 gift card for Emory's Barnes and Noble bookstore.

The main event takes place from 12 to 3 p.m. on the Quad and include games, music, dancing and refreshments. The refreshments include beef, turkey or vegan hot dogs, as well as chips, ice cream, popcorn and Coca-Cola products.

While Dasani bottled water will be offered, Staff Fest sponsors encourage participants to bring re-usable water bottles as Staff Fest supports Emory's sustainability initiative and the effort to decrease the number of plastic water bottles on campus. Several hydration stations will be set up on the Quad.

President James Wagner offers brief remarks and thanks staff members for their hard work over the past year.

Activities include caricature artists, green screen photos, rock wall, basketball shoot, games and more. Information Central sets up on the Quad with Emory-related departments and organizations handing out information on their offerings and functions, often with swag and games.

Preceding the main event are the volleyball tournament and the Fun Run/Walk. Both begin at 11 a.m.

The two-mile Fun Run/Walk starts at Asbury Circle. Check-in time is 10:45 a.m. The two-mile event ends on the Quad in time for the main Staff Fest activities. Prizes will be awarded in several age groups for men and women; additional prizes for other categories will also be awarded.

The volleyball tournament, which also begins at 11 a.m., runs until 2:30 p.m. The games are refereed and there is a limit of 10 players per team.  Up to 20 teams, on two courts, can be accommodated.

In the event of rain, the Staff Fest celebration will move to the Dobbs University Center’s Lower Level Terrace for refreshments only.

The Human Resources division, which sponsors Staff Fest, reminds employees that the event is for current staff and retirees only. Family members will not be admitted.